Steel shortage delays start of I-69 work in Genesee County

Semi trucks drive on I-69 just east of exit 145 and west of M-15 on Feb. 26 in this Flint Journal file photo.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A steel shortage will keep the orange barrels from part of I-69 for awhile longer.

A $30 million construction project on I-69 in the county was set to start next month but will now be delayed until June, according to

a news release from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

It's the second time in less than 30 days that MDOT has announced a big delay associated with the work that's now expected to last two construction seasons and includes reconstruction of the expressway from Dort Highway to Center Road.

Also planned as part of the project are replacing the bridge at Dort Highway, widening and repairing the bridges at the CSX Railroad, Averill Avenue and Center Road, and upgrading freeway lighting from I-475 to Center Road.

Just weeks ago, MDOT announced it was splitting the I-69 work between two construction seasons -- 2014 and 2015, leaving the heaviest work for next year.

Today's announcement says pavement repair and maintenance work, along with shoulder widening and temporary crossover construction, are anticipated to begin in June in preparation for reconstruction in 2015.

MDOT says an M-15 bridge project in Vassar, scheduled to begin in April, also will be delayed. That project includes replacing the bridge over the Cass River in Tuscola County. Work now is expected to begin this fall or in spring 2015.

Ron Fonger can be reached at 810-347-9963. You can also follow him on Twitter @ronfonger or subscribe on Facebook.